Joe Root walked off Old Trafford with 150 runs, a historic milestone, and England firmly in control of the fourth Test against India.
By the end of day three, England had posted 544 for 7, holding a 186-run lead over India on a worn surface that’s not getting easier to bat on. An innings victory and a decisive 3–1 series lead now seem well within reach.
Root’s latest century wasn’t just a match-defining knock. The achievement pushed him past Rahul Dravid, Jacques Kallis, and Ricky Ponting — placing him second on the all-time Test run list, just behind Sachin Tendulkar.
He got there with typical ease. A flick here, a dab there. Fans in Manchester followed every shot. As he passed 13,288 to surpass Dravid and Kallis, and then 13,378 to overtake Ponting, it didn’t feel forced. Just steady, composed, and familiar.
He didn’t turn it into a spectacle. There were no grand parties or public displays. Just a thumbs-up to Ben Stokes, his captain and partner at the other end.
The moment should’ve come with a hug, like when Root brought up his hundred. But Stokes, dealing with leg cramp, stayed at the non-striker’s end. Later, he had to leave the field, only to return near the close of play.
Root eventually fell for 150, stumped off Ravindra Jadeja. It was the third of four dismissals on the day for stand-in wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, the lone bright spot for India in the field.
By the time Root walked off, England’s lead had grown to 141. His 12th century against India is now the most by any batter against them, moving him past Steven Smith. This was also his 12th Test century at Old Trafford, making him the first player to score 1000 Test runs at the venue.
Ollie Pope added 71 before edging a delivery to KL Rahul after lunch. He had earlier survived a tricky edge on 48 off Anshul Kamboj. Together, Pope and Root put up 144 runs, their sixth century stand under Stokes’ captaincy.
Washington Sundar claimed two quick wickets, removing Pope and Harry Brook in the span of four overs. Brook’s stumping was his first in Test cricket. But India’s spinners came on a bit late, with Washington not introduced until the 69th over.
Stokes, having already taken five wickets in the first innings, added a gritty 77 to his tally. It was his first half-century since November. He’s now one of just three England captains to score a 50 and take five wickets in the same Test.
Stokes limped off with what looked like calf discomfort. At that point, questions about his fitness resurfaced. His history with hamstring and knee injuries isn’t short, and this series has seen him bowl more than he has in years.
Still, with the crowd behind him, he returned before stumps and joined Liam Dawson at the crease. Dawson, playing his first Test since 2017, stuck around as Bumrah and Siraj tried some short-pitched bowling to end the day.
Both Indian fast bowlers looked visibly drained. Bumrah rolled his ankle on the stairs and managed only one over with the second new ball. Siraj left before tea after tweaking his foot and returned late to claim Chris Woakes’ wicket.
England now holds all the cards. Rain is in the forecast, but not enough to change much. India’s bowlers are tired, and their fielding has been inconsistent.
This was Root’s day. A personal milestone, yes, but one that pushed the match and the series out of India’s reach.
Saturday may bring more records. Or just more of the same. Either way, the momentum is with England.
